Several key players contributed to the Chicago Bears’ victory over the Carolina Panthers. Caleb Williams threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and the running backs scored three touchdowns. Gervon Dexter had a sack and six pressures. Kevin Byard had an interception. Jaquan Brisker forced a fumble. However, other less notable names were crucial to the rout. Probably the most unsung of those heroes was Bill Murray. The veteran guard stepped in for an injured Teven Jenkins midway through the game and was statistically the team’s best blocker.
One person who took notice was Tom Thayer. The Bears’ color analyst and former Super Bowl champion guard was impressed with what he saw. He thinks the organization may have stumbled onto a legitimate player. Forget being an adequate backup. Thayer made it sound on ESPN 1000 that Murray has the capability to start. His violent temperament and disciplined hand technique stood out constantly. It went so far as to state that Teven Jenkins is looking at legitimate competition now.
While Jenkins is nursing an ankle injury, hopes are high that he should still be good to go for next Sunday in London. More will be known in the next couple of days. If he can’t go, it was made clear last week that Murray is now the primary backup. Don’t forget that head coach Matt Eberflus mentioned his name unprompted as somebody who stood out in both training camp and the preseason. Murray was a defensive tackle coming out of college as an undrafted free agent. New England eventually shifted him to the offensive line. Despite getting cut and enduring some career uncertainty, his persistence is finally paying off. One more opportunity could be all he needs to achieve his dream of claiming a starting job.
